Tom Watt (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Tom Watt began his coaching career in education, becoming head of men's phys-ed at Monarch Park Secondary School in Toronto in 1964. The following year, he started a 15-season tenure as head coach at the University of Toronto, where he had played as an undergraduate. Under his leadership, the Varsity Blues won 11 conference titles and nine CIAU championships. In 1971, he wrote a bestselling book titled *How to Play Hockey*, which continued to sell decades later.

Watt entered the NHL as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks in 1980–81. He became head coach of the Winnipeg Jets the next season, guiding the team to a 48-point improvement and earning the Jack Adams Award. He later served as head coach and assistant general manager of the Canucks, and as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames, winning the Stanley Cup in 1989. He also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, taking over 12 games into the 1990–91 season, and later worked as director of professional development and director of pro scouting for the Leafs. He coached the St. John's Maple Leafs of the AHL for two seasons and the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL for one season.

Watt's international experience included assistant coaching roles with Team Canada at two Olympic Games, two World Hockey Championships, and three Canada Cups. He was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

Reader's Guide

Tom Watt's significance in ice hockey lies in his versatility and longevity across multiple levels of the sport. His 1981–82 Jack Adams Award with the Winnipeg Jets highlighted his ability to dramatically improve a team's performance, as the Jets posted a 48-point gain in the standings. Beyond head coaching, Watt contributed as an assistant coach, scout, and development coach for several NHL franchises, including the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Florida Panthers. His Stanley Cup win with the Flames in 1989 added to his professional credibility.

Watt's impact extended to amateur and developmental hockey. His 15-year run at the University of Toronto produced 11 conference titles and nine national championships, establishing a dynasty in Canadian university hockey. His book *How to Play Hockey* became a lasting resource for players and coaches. His later work as a scout and development coach helped shape talent for NHL organizations. Inductions into the Etobicoke and Ontario Sports Halls of Fame recognized his contributions to the sport in Canada. Watt's career exemplifies a steady, behind-the-scenes influence on hockey at all levels.

Did You Know?

• Tom Watt won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 1981–82 after guiding the Winnipeg Jets to a 48-point improvement in the standings.
• He wrote a bestselling book titled *How to Play Hockey* in 1971, which was still selling 52 years later.
• Watt won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames in 1989.
• He was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on March 29, 2022.